Trial starts in civil suit against Sparks

Monday

Jan 23, 2012 at 3:37 PM

Opening statements are to begin in the civil jury trial of a former city council member.

Wilmington | Opening statements are expected to begin Tuesday in the civil jury trial of a former city council member being sued by the Wilmington Housing Authority for issues involving a building he inspected prior to the WHA buying it. After a morning of motions Monday, both sides began selecting a jury around 3 p.m.Ronald Sparks and his business, Sparks Engineering, are being sued by the housing authority on claims of breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation and fraud.The allegations stem from the company's 2005 inspection of the Eastbrook Apartments, which was done before the housing authority's purchase of Eastbrook was final.The 32-unit complex off Princess Place Drive has been a financial drain on the housing authority since residents moved out due to potential health hazards in 2007, less than two years after the authority's purchase.Sparks has defended his work, and also said he was eager to clear his name in court.

– F.T. Norton

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